Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alternative Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ROE advocates outline Alternative Learning Opportunities Program and student supports
Summary
Two Regional Office of Education advocates described the ALOP program at Abingdon-Avon schools, noting a 35-student caseload, weekly check-ins, SMART goals and wraparound supports including a school pantry and family outreach to improve graduation outcomes.
Shelly Ashbaugh Nelson, who identified herself as the ALOP advocate and who said she works for the Regional Office of Education and is housed at the high school, described the program’s goals and daily practices. Shelly said she has 35 students on her caseload and called them “my kids,” explaining the program offers weekly check-ins, small-group meetings, student success plans (IOEP/SMART goals), outreach to parents, court accompaniment when needed, and coordination with teachers and counselors to remove barriers to graduation.
Heather Allen, also placed in the district through the ROE, described her work in grades 4–8, the creation of school pantries and the importance of building trust with families: “I am hired through the ROE and placed in the school district,” she said, explaining the program connects families to housing, emergency shelter and other community resources. Board members thanked both advocates and noted the program’s role in connecting students and families with supports that aim to increase graduation rates.
